Mumbai: The BSE benchmark Sensex on Monday closed 29 points higher in the first trading session of fiscal year 2013-14 supported by buying in blue-chip stocks such as Dr Reddy's, Infosys and RIL.

The index moved between 18,959.48 and 18,796.60 before ending moderately higher by 28.98 points, or 0.15 percent, to 18,864.75.

The second most heavy on the benchmark Sensex Infosys surged by 1.85 percent to Rs 2,943.25 on optimism of better quarter earnings scheduled on April 12, while most heavy Reliance Industries rose 0.58 percent to Rs 778.15 after nine days of losses. Shares of Dr Reddy's closed 3.34 percent up to closed at Rs 1825.30.

Similarly, the broad-based National Stock Exchange index Nifty rose by 21.85 points, or 0.38 percent, to 5,704.40, after moving between 5,720.95 and 5,675.90.

Brokers said the buying activity was more confined to recent losers as the benchmark recorded first quarterly losses since December 2011.

The Sensex has recorded its first quarterly decline since the three months ended December 2011 amid weakest economic expansion in a decade, widening budgetary deficits and the highest inflation.

They said most investors were directionless as most of the Asian and European markets were closed for a public holiday.

The realty sector index was star performer by adding 5.37 percent to 1,875.69 followed by capital goods by 1.68 percent to 9,168.97. Power index rose by 1.09 percent to 1,664.51 and healthcare index by 0.97 percent to 8,085.46.(Agencies)